TALLAHASSEE—While improving the lives of veterans and their families, Tampa’s International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics also improved its energy efficiency, earning them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) December Triple E Award for its energy efficiency efforts.

“With the important work the Institute does to treat veterans facing rehabilitation, implementing energy efficiencies makes sense by helping to reduce a variety of costs while improving the work environment for all,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.

Tampa Electric Company (TECO) performed an initial energy audit at the Institute, leading to several recommendations. After replacing 418 fluorescent lamps with LED T8 lamps, the Institute received more than $2,350 from TECO’s conditioned space—lighting rebate programs. As a result of the lighting upgrade, the Institute will save $6,330 annually from an energy usage reduction of 80,000.0837 kWh. An added benefit is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 49.32 tons of CO2, 160.09 pounds of NOx, and 257.12 pounds of SOx.

“Our collaborative approach in advancing the treatment of O&P patients is the same approach we used in working with TECO to maximize our energy efficiency,” said Arlene Gillis, the Institute’s founder. “We work hard to improve the lives of veterans and their families, and our efficiency upgrades helps us keep costs down while doing the work we love.”

“The energy experts at Tampa Electric have been helping customers to use energy wisely for nearly 40 years. It’s our pleasure to work with an institute that does so much good for the veterans and their families who live in the communities we serve,” saidNancy Tower, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “Today, we offer 36 programs to help our residential and business customers reduce their overall energy usage – and ultimately their energy costs.”

Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for past Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage. The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

About the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics

The International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics seeks to improve the lives of veterans and their families. The Institute works with accredited O&P programs in research, innovation, education, and collaboration. The Institute offers O&P and allied health program support services, including consulting/advisory services, curriculum development, grant writing, or assistance with developing consortium partnerships to leverage funding. Located just minutes from MacDill Air Force base, the Institute also offers veterans and their families wellness programs, career training, and job placement. For more information, call 888-204-4447 or visit www.iiofoandp.org.